burst

To burst is defined as to break apart suddenly and with force.

(verb)

An example of to burst is for a water balloon to pop.

The definition of a burst is a sudden and violent breaking or a sudden display of energy or emotion.

(noun)

  1. An example of a burst is a baby chicken pushing out of an egg.
  2. An example of a burst is a sudden outbreak into tears.

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See burst in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb burst, bursting

  1. to come apart suddenly and violently, as from internal pressure; fly into pieces; break open or out; explode
  2. to give sudden expression to some feeling; break (into tears, laughter, a tirade, etc.)
  3. to go, come, start, appear, etc. suddenly and with force: he burst into the room
    1. to be as full, crowded, or packed as possible
    2. to be filled (with anger, pride, energy, etc.)

Origin: ME bresten, bersten < OE berstan & ON bresta, both < IE base *bhres-, to burst, break, crack

transitive verb

  1. to cause to burst; make explode
  2. to fill or cause to swell to the bursting point

noun

  1. the act of bursting; explosion, as of an artillery shell
  2. the result of a bursting; break; rupture
  3. a sudden, violent display of feeling
  4. a sudden, forceful action; spurt: a burst of speed
  5. a volley of shots, or a single series of shots from an automatic firearm

Origin: ME burst, brist, a damage, defect, injury < OE byrst, loss

See burst in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb burst burst, burst·ing, bursts
verb, intransitive
  1. a. To come open or fly apart suddenly or violently, especially from internal pressure.
    b. To explode.
  2. To be or seem to be full to the point of breaking open: The sacks were bursting with grain.
  3. To emerge, come forth, or arrive suddenly: burst out of the door.
  4. To come apart or seem to come apart because of overwhelming emotion: thought his heart would burst with happiness.
  5. To give sudden utterance or expression: burst out laughing; burst into tears.
verb, transitive
  1. To cause to burst: burst the balloon. See Synonyms at break.
  2. To exert strong pressure in order to force (something) open.
  3. To separate (a continuous form or printout) into individual sheets.
noun
  1. A sudden outbreak or outburst; an explosion.
  2. The result of bursting, especially the explosion of a projectile or bomb on impact or in the air.
  3. a. The number of bullets fired from an automatic weapon by one pull of the trigger.
    b. A volley of bullets fired from an automatic weapon: The machine gunner fired a quick burst.
  4. An abrupt, intense increase; a rush: a burst of speed; fitful bursts of wind.
  5. A period of intense activity: “I write in very short bursts—10 or 15 minutes” (Zoe Heller).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English bursten

Origin: , from Old English berstan

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